How do you get confirmation?

Answer 1

Presentation of the candidate

The names of everybody to be confirmed are read out. Each one stands up so everyone can see and then goes to the Bishop at the front.

The Renewal of Baptismal Promises

Each candidate is asked questions about what they believe. They promise to reject evil. These promises are like an enrolment in to the Catholic Church. It is a bit like joining a club, except that the promises affect the whole of a person's life.

The Laying on of Hands

The Bishop lays his hands on each of the candidates. This is to show them that they have the special job of living like Jesus would want and showing other people how to do the same. The hands are a symbol of the power and strength that will come to them through the Holy Spirit.The Anointing with Chrism

The Bishop says the candidate's name. This can be a special confirmation name (normally a saint's name) or the name they usually use.The Bishop then draws the sign of the cross on the forehead of the candidate with the oil of chrism. This oil is an ancient sign of being chosen by God. It is also used in baptism. The sign of the cross shows that the candidate is a child of God. Oil can be used to heal or to give strength.